The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2003)

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill was one of those most amazing films I have seen at the Nuart in Los Angeles. I saw this film with my father. who has had parrots for as long as i can remember. I may be partial to this film because of my bringing up. it just reminded me of visiting my family. It had everything i needed. I felt a strong connection with the entirety of this film. i absolutely loved the personal story telling. The connection to the parrots and the house. And it did not hurt to see it end in a love story. All in all i just really want to live in a secluded house with wild parrots all around. I would and i do suggest this movie to my friends even to film profressor's at SMC.

Just saw the TV premier of this modestly-distributed movie and was delighted. Has anyone else noticed that the parrots really did more for Mark Bittner than he did for them? They changed his life in so many ways, and all for the better. There are many lessons to be learned from the movie, which is one of the few that left me both cheering and crying when it ended. I wish only the best for all, both human and avian, involved in its making.P. S. Those who previously submitted reviews to this site and saw the movie as an attempt to make Bittner appear a victim in any way certainly missed the point.

"The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" is wonderful documentary that tells the story of Mark Bittner, who essentially protected, and helped maintain a flock of wild parrots that live in the heart of San Francisco.It is a truly inspiring story of a man with a huge heart, and great capacity to see that there is more to the existence of life than just being a friend to animals. He feels that we are all one with each other in this universe. One source of energy and life.Mr. Bittner took care of these wild birds for over three years while living (God knows how, since it's never really explained what he does to make money)in a small, modest apartment. What he lacks in worldly possessions, he makes up for in the love and devotion of these birds.It is wonderful to see someone take a pragmatic view of the plight of the birds. When it becomes clear that he cannot take care of them anymore, he does not want them herded up and placed in a zoo or aviary. He just wants them to be left alone, able to survive on what nature provides them with.And he's right. On the DVD, one of the extras is an update on the birds one year after he's left them on their own. It's amazing to see that not only has the flock survived, it has flourished.A truly, magical, inspiring story.8 out of 10

There was, and still is, considerable controversy about these flocks of escaped and feral tropical birds. In rural areas they threaten fruit crops, or so I'm told. And how they survive Chicago and New York winters is hard to fathom. When they are referred to as "non-native species" there is some irony; most of us, including Mark, are "non-native". And the damage we do... However, it's not about that. It is about living in the city, getting on, managing with the clear understanding that there are dangers, and how critical it is to show some care and concern. This is a very clever film, and very well done. The message seems simple and straightforward, but it turns out there are several, less obvious messages. See for yourself, and do not miss it.